International Students Seeking Conditional Admission

International applicants who meet all academic and financial requirements for admission to NDSU but not minimum English proficiency may be eligible for conditional admission. The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) at NDSU is designed to help non-native speakers achieve English proficiency and will help to prepare students for full-time, university-level coursework.

Admission Deadlines

The online application for admission and all required materials must be received by NDSU by the deadlines posted below.

Admission Deadlines

Fall Semester (August – December)

Spring Semester (January – May)

Students outside the United States – May 1
Students inside the United States – August 1

Students outside the United States – October 1
Students inside the United States – December 1

Conditional Admission Requirements

Applications are evaluated on an individual basis. The university uses selective admission criteria in order to assure adequate preparation, which will enable students to be successful in their academic pursuits. NDSU reviews the following criteria.

Academics – All applicants should have a secondary school educational background in the core curriculum of laboratory science, mathematics, social science and English to be considered for admission. Post-secondary coursework is also reviewed. A secondary or high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (4.0 scale) or the equivalent in core subjects, is recommended. Students who do not meet these minimum guidelines will still be considered for admission if there is evidence in the student's academic record that demonstrates a high probability of success.

Conditional Admission Procedures

Nonrefundable application fee – The $35 fee can be paid online at the time you apply or paid online at a later date. An admission decision is not made until the fee is paid.

Official academic records for all institutions attended and national exams completed –Required documentation is based on the following:

U.S. institution – request official transcript(s) be sent directly to the NDSU Office of Admission from your institution

Non-U.S. institution – apply for an official World Education Services (WES) evaluation report. Review the steps to request this report.

​​​​​English test scores – All applicants must submit an official test score or completion report meeting one of the posted levels (see chart below). All test scores are valid for two years and score reports must be sent directly to the Office of Admission.

Note: If you have completed four or more terms of full-time academic study in the United States, English test scores are not required.

Copy of official financial documentation – Documentation from a bank official or sponsoring government showing available funds equivalent to IELP estimated annual costs for one year of attendance must be provided. Please refer to acceptable forms for a detailed list of requirements.

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student-focused, land-grant, research university. We are a top-ranked institution, providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges – our graduates shape a better world.